Gone are the days of “We are one team” evident during the first lockdown in 2020. Now people’s individual rights seem to have pre-eminence over the common good. What has changed?

Anecdotally there appears to be a correlation between those who are anti-vaxers and those who mistrust authority. Are we now paying the price of not listening to those without power in our society? How can we rebuild trust and confidence in our democratic way of life? What better ways are there for ensuring the voices of all are heard? How can we hold different views without judgment or vilifying the other?

What role can Te Hāhi play in our national and local life? Can we be beacons of hope for those despairing and feeling rejected? Can we enable communities to thrive and people to be their best selves?

This year the Public Issues Network will be considering the impact of Covid on communities as well as exploring social cohesion and other key themes arising out of Conference decisions.

The Climate Justice Working Party will be developing an action plan using ideas gleaned at the Climate Justice workshop. The plan will include sharing the Climate Justice video and resources with synods and rohe. To share your suggestions or for further information, contact the committee Chair, Rev Siosifa Pole, Mission Resourcing. siosifa@missionresourcing.org.nz

The Racism in the Church and in Aotearoa Committee will be working on the Conference recommendation that the Public Issues Network facilitate conversations throughout the Connexion about how the Church can engage in anti-racism work, and take as its starting point a conversation about the history of the bicultural journey. To share your suggestions or for further information, contact the committee Chair, Rev Tara Tautari. tarat@methodist.org.nz